New Bank of Scotland appointments to support manufacturers and the NE

Bank of Scotland has appointed a new area director covering Aberdeen and the north east as well as a new area director of its manufacturing division.

Clare Richardson has been appointed as Area Director, Aberdeen and NE Scotland, SME banking.

In her new Aberdeen-based role Clare is responsible for leading a team of Relationship Directors and Managers serving existing and potential small and medium sized business customers across the region.

Clare has 20 years’ experience supporting and managing businesses of varying sizes across a range of sectors. Latterly she was a Business Development Director for the North of Scotland in Bank of Scotland’s Mid Markets team.

Clare has specialisms in debt, equity and commodities and additional experience in the property and charitable sectors.

She said: “Bank of Scotland’s commitment to supporting SMEs is a key part of our latest business growth charter, which is focused on helping businesses export, improving their digital skills and fulfilling their growth ambitions.

“We want to ensure that they have access to affordable finance and that we are providing the right support to help these businesses grow.

“SMEs make up the vast majority of Scottish businesses, and I am excited to be joining my new team as we work together to help Britain prosper.”

Craig Pollock has also been named Area Director, Manufacturing after a career spanning almost 20 years with Bank of Scotland.

Most recently Craig was Area Director, SME Scotland working alongside the Regional Director for SME Scotland, Fraser Sime, and the 90-strong relationship team who support clients with turnover between £1m and £25m.

In his new Scotland-wide role Craig will support the growth of the Scottish manufacturing sector by providing tailored finance and guidance that matches the industry’s needs.

Craig said: “I’m excited to be leading our Manufacturing team in Scotland supporting a sector that is integral to the country's economic growth objectives.

“At Bank of Scotland, we understand that manufacturing businesses have unique banking needs and through our specially trained relationship managers we are committed to backing them with the kind of tailored support they need.

“That can be assisting with cashflow needs, financing growth to build new supply chains, improving efficiency, or helping them to enter new markets at home and abroad.

“Our latest PMI report found manufacturers have seen strong growth in new orders and I’m looking forward to working with our team of specialist managers to help Scottish firms to achieve sustained, long-term growth.”